A.C. Reynolds High School and its PTSA hosted the “Out of Silence” walk and program Sept. 24, to help raise awareness and help for students going through difficult moments find hope.
Students, parents, and mental health professionals were in attendance to build a sense of community around a topic that can make people feel very alone. They also learned about techniques and prevention tips to find joy in life.
“Mental health is something that you can’t really see just by talking to someone one time,” said Joey Houser, an A.C. Reynolds sophomore. “There’s so much stigma around it, and this event is really gonna help normalize getting help.”
Leah Madamba, a parent and mental health professional, said high school students deal with many stresses in their everyday lives.
“There’s academics, there’s social, there’s navigating all their extra-curriculars, getting ready for college, trying to figure out who they’re becoming,” she said. “And that comes with a lot of stress.”
“I hope people leave this event today with hope and resources,” said A.C. Reynolds Principal Ben Alexander. “When you get in that certain space, which can be a really dark time, it’s important that you can find those resources to access the hope that exists for you and your life.”
